Job Title: Learning Mentor
Location: New Barn School, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8HZ
Salary: £23,638.00 per annum (£13.25 per hour) (not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: April 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
Are you passionate about supporting young people to succeed, grow in confidence, and reach their full potential? Join New Barn School and play a vital role in transforming the lives of autistic pupils through meaningful, personalised support.
We’re looking for enthusiastic, compassionate Learning Mentors to become part of our dedicated team — individuals who want more than just a job and are ready to make a real difference every single day.
About the Role
New Barn School, part of Options Autism, is seeking caring and committed Learning Mentors to support our pupils with autism and complex SEND needs.
As a Learning Mentor, you’ll be at the heart of each pupil’s journey — helping them access learning, build independence, and develop the confidence they need to thrive both academically and emotionally. You’ll provide consistent, personalised support within a structured, nurturing environment where every achievement is celebrated.
This is a highly rewarding opportunity for someone who enjoys building positive relationships, working collaboratively, and supporting young people to overcome barriers to learning.
Key Responsibilities
Support autistic pupils with complex SEND to access learning and build confidence
Act as a positive role model, developing trusting and supportive relationships
Prepare learning resources and assist with classroom and practical activities
Deliver personalised, hands-on support tailored to individual learning needs
Work collaboratively with teachers and the multidisciplinary team to embed a therapeutic, pupil-centred approach
Support communication, social interaction, emotional regulation and behaviour
Encourage engagement in learning while promoting wellbeing and personal development
Maintain accurate records of pupil progress and provide feedback to teaching staff
About You
You will have:
GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent)
Experience working within a SEND setting, ideally supporting autistic pupils
A genuine passion for supporting children and young people
Resilience, empathy, and a positive, proactive approach
A strong commitment to high professional standards and continuous improvement
Experience supporting autistic pupils or working within a SEND environment is highly desirable.
If you’re ready to inspire, support, and help pupils achieve their potential, we’d love to hear from you. Join us and be part of something truly meaningful.
About Us
New Barn School, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan. Pupils learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive and prepare for life beyond school.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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Salary description
£23638.00 - £23638.00 per year